At a time when popular culture’s understanding of cryptocurrency stems from the soaring prices and mass amounts of wealth seemingly being created out of thin air, it’s worthwhile to note that Schneider-Ammann made a recognition of a potential for blockchain technology beyond the realm of finance.

“[Blockchain is] becoming more important as a technology for many industries, not just crypto finance. [What is needed is liberal regulation], which opens opportunities for Switzerland’s position while at the same time reducing risks.”

While many countries, like Indonesia and China, are approaching blockchain businesses with degrees of caution, Switzerland is home to “Crypto Valley,” a region known for a its concentration of blockchain upstarts. The government’s Federal Council, in a push to create a welcoming environment for startups and attract new businesses and ideas to the area, also proposed a regulatory sandbox last year.

According to Coindesk, Taskforce Blockchain’s first meeting will be on Jan. 12, 2018.

Cadence is a fintech reporter and writer at Fintech Unltd, where she covers the changing landscape of financial technologies. Previously, Cadence interned at Psychology Today, Business Insider and the Wisconsin State Journal. Cadence is interested in how science and technology intersect with power and culture and is curious about the world we are creating for tomorrow, consciously or not. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2017 with degrees in Journalism and Chinese. Send tips and story ideas to Cadence at [email protected] You can also follow her on Twitter @cadencebambenek.